The Strange (and Rare) Videogame Pics Page

MATSUSHITA

AKA 3DO II

AKA BULLDOG

At first a 64 bit add-on for 3DO systems, then an independent videogame system: the history of one of the best system never marketed...
The system was initially developed by the same people responsible for the first 3DO system (called Opera). Later 3DO sold the technology to Matsushita and left the hardware market. The Japanese electronic giant worked on the base of that system to produce a better technology called M2. At first this technology was to be sold as a videogame system but Matsushite felt the market was not ready for another videogame system and used the project for their DVD Multimedia systems. I am not really sure but I suspect some high-end Panasonic DVD-players could contain a limited version of this technology. I'll try to know more on the subject!

THE ADD-ON

This is a prototype of the M2 expansion for Panasonic FZ-10 3DO player. It was probably only a mock-up.

THE COMPLETE SYSTEM

Panasonic M2 (Model 1)	Goldstar M2
Panasonic M2 (Model 2)

These are three prototypes presented by Panasonic (Matsushita group, upper left pic and down pic) and Goldstar (LG Electronics group, upper right pic). They were compatible with all 3DO titles.

THE FIRST M2 CHIPSET

The first chipset for the M2 system.

THE M2 SYSTEM AT A JAPANESE SHOW

Two M2 units and pads (similar to those of the N64...).

Another picture of the system. I wonder if the system was real or only a mock-up...

THE ACTUAL M2 UNIT

The final unit.
This unit is called FZ-21S and was announced by Panasonic (Matsushita group) in June 1998 with a press release that you could read here.

THE FIRST CONSUMER M2 SYSTEM? MAYBE...

This is a prototype DVD player presented recently by Matsushita at a DVD-related show. Basically it is a DVD Video player with built-in M2 technology. The unit is called FZ-35S and was announced in November 1998 with a press release that you could read here.

Useful links

M2 Online
The best site for people interested in M2. Up-to-date info too!

M2 System
The official Matsushita site for M2. Not much for gamers anyway...